Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing
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Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer–BioNTech
COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing
Interim guidance
First issued 8 January 2021
Updated 15 June 2021
Background
This interim guidance has been developed on the basis of the advice issued by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE)
on Immunization at its extraordinary meeting on 15 March 2021 (1) and updated during its extraordinary meeting on 27 May 2021
(2).
Declarations of interests were collected from all external contributors and assessed for any conflicts of interest. Summaries of the
reported interests can be found on the SAGE meeting website and SAGE Working Group website.
The guidance is based on the evidence summarized in the background document on mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer-
BioNTech) against COVID-19 (3) and the background paper on COVID-19 disease and vaccines (4).
Annexes which include GRADE and evidence-to-recommendations (ETR) tables have also been updated to reflect the updated
recommendations.
All referenced documents are available on the SAGE COVID-19 webpage: https://www.who.int/groups/strategic-advisory-group-
of-experts-on-immunization/covid-19-materials.
These interim recommendations refer to the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, manufactured by Pfizer and BioNTech. The International
nonproprietary name (INN) is Tozinameran. The vaccine is also known as Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Comirnaty. In
the subsequent text the vaccine will be referred to as BNT162b2.
On 31 December 2020, BNT162b2 was granted WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL).
Methods
SAGE applies the principles of evidence-based medicine and has set in place a thorough methodological process for issuing or
updating recommendations (5). Specifically for COVID-19 vaccines, a detailed description of the methodological processes can be
found in the SAGE evidence framework for COVID-19 vaccines. This framework is intended to offer guidance for considering data
emerging from clinical trials in support of issuing vaccine-specific evidence-based recommendations (6).
General goal and strategy for the use of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 against COVID-19 (Pfizer–BioNTech)
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world, as well as major social, educational
and economic disruptions. There is an urgent global need to develop effective and safe vaccines and to make them available at scale
and equitably across all countries.
BNT162b2 is an mRNA vaccine against COVID-19. A two-dose regimen of BNT162b2 given 21 days apart conferred 95%
protection (95% CI 90.3−97.6%) 7 days post dose 2 against symptomatic SARS-CoV2- infection in persons aged 16 and above,
based on a median follow-up of two months (7). Similar vaccine efficacy (generally 90 to 100%) was observed across subgroups,
defined by age, sex, race, body mass index and comorbidities. Post-introduction studies from Israel have shown high vaccine
-1-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing: Interim guidance
effectiveness from 7 days after dose 2 (with an inter-dose interval of 3 weeks): for documented infection 92% (95% CI 88−95%);
for symptomatic COVID-19, 94% (95% CI 87−98%); for hospitalization 87% (95% CI 55−100%); and for severe disease, 92% (95%
CI 75−100%) (4). A recent trial in adolescents 12-15 years of age showed a vaccine efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2
infection of 100% (95% CI 75−100%) from at least 7 days after dose 2 a. Only limited safety data are available for this age group
given the small sample size of the trial.
The data reviewed by WHO support the conclusion that the known and potential benefits of BNT162b2 outweigh the known and
potential risks. As sufficient vaccine supply will not be immediately available to immunize all who could benefit from it, countries
are recommended to use the WHO Prioritization Roadmap (8) and the WHO Values Framework (9) as guidance for their
prioritization of target groups. As long as vaccine supplies are very limited (stage I in the WHO Prioritization Roadmap), in settings
with community transmission, the Roadmap recommends that priority be given initially to health workers at high risk and older
people with and without comorbidities. As more vaccine becomes available, additional priority groups should be vaccinated as
outlined in the WHO Prioritization Roadmap (8), taking into account national epidemiological data and other relevant
considerations. Also, as a matter of global equity, as long as many parts of the world are facing extreme vaccine shortages, WHO
recommends that countries that have achieved high vaccine coverage in the high-risk populations prioritize global sharing of
COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility before proceeding to vaccination of children and adolescents who are at low risk
for severe disease.
Intended use
Persons aged 12 years and above.
Administration
The recommended schedule is two doses (30 µg, 0.3 ml each) given intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle. An interval of 21–28
days between the doses is recommended. If the second dose is inadvertently administered less than 21 days after the first, the dose
does not need to be repeated. If administration of the second dose is inadvertently delayed it should be given as soon as possible
thereafter, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Considerations for deferring the second dose in settings with limited vaccine supply
WHO acknowledges that a number of countries face exceptional circumstances of vaccine supply constraints combined with a high
disease burden. Some countries have therefore considered delaying the administration of the second dose to allow for a higher initial
coverage with one dose. This is based on the observation that efficacy has been shown to start from day 12 after the first dose and
reached about 89% between days 14 and 21, at the time when the second dose was given. No data on longer term efficacy for a
single dose of BNT162b2 currently exist from Phase 3 trials, as the trial participants received 2 doses with an interval between doses
in the trial ranging from 19 to 42 days. Neutralizing antibody responses were shown to be modest after the first dose and increase
substantially after the second dose, and the second dose increased the efficacy against symptomatic disease to 95%. Post second
dose studies showed that immunogenicity in terms of neutralizing antibodies is increased with a longer inter-dose interval to 12
weeks (10) highlighting that extended inter-dose intervals will result in a good immune response, even in older adults.
Some countries have chosen an inter-dose interval of 12 weeks. Based on post-introduction vaccine effectiveness studies from these
countries, data on persistence of post dose 1 effectiveness are currently available up to 10 weeks in the context of the ancestral virus
and the variant of concern Alpha (B 1.1.7) (11). Evidence on the impact of variants of concern other than Alpha (B1.1.7) on first
and second dose vaccine effectiveness is only just emerging. Effectiveness after a single dose of vaccine against COVID-19
associated with Delta (B 1.617.2) was lower than that against Alpha (B.1.1.7), whilst two dose effectiveness was similar for these
two variants (12). These data highlight the importance of providing a second dose of vaccine in the context of circulating variants
of concern that may lower the effectiveness of a single dose.
Countries should take into account the following factors when considering deferral of the second dose beyond 3 to 6 weeks after
the first dose: During an initial period of limited vaccine supply, prioritizing distribution of first doses of vaccine to as many highly
vulnerable individuals as possible will avert more deaths than covering fewer such people with two doses - so long as the
effectiveness of a single dose against COVID-19 mortality is at least half that of two doses and does not wane below this level
before receipt of the second dose. The optimal interval before offering second doses depends not only on vaccine effectiveness and
a unpublished data on phase 2/3 randomized controlled trial (RCT) in adolescents 12-15 years, obtained from sponsor Pfizer-BioNTech.
-2-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing: Interim guidance
waning but also on population vaccine coverage, supply projections, pre-existing naturally acquired immunity and country-specific
vaccine prioritization plans (13-16). Furthermore, for settings with substantial circulation of variants of concern which have been
shown to have reduced single doses effectiveness, the importance of providing the most vulnerable groups with 2 doses must be
considered.
In conclusion, for countries that have not yet achieved high vaccine coverage rates in the high-priority groups who are experiencing
a high incidence of COVID-19 cases combined with vaccine supply constraints, WHO recommends that such countries should focus
on achieving a high first dose coverage in the high priority groups by extending the inter-dose interval up to 12 weeks.
Booster doses
There is currently no evidence on the need for a booster dose or booster doses of the vaccine after the current two-dose vaccine
series is complete. The need for and timing of homologous, heterologous or variant-adapted booster doses will be evaluated as
further data accumulate.
Interchangeability with other vaccines
It is currently recommended that the same product should be used for both doses. If different COVID-19 vaccine products are
inadvertently administered in the two doses, no additional doses of either vaccine are recommended at this time. Heterologous (mix-
and-match) studies are ongoing with regards to the interchangeability of this vaccine with other COVID-19 vaccines. Preliminary
results from a heterologous priming schedule where BNT162b2 was given as the second dose following a first dose of ChAdOx1-
S [recombinant] vaccine showed a slightly increased but acceptable reactogenicity with superior or similar immunogenicity results,
thus supporting the use of such a heterologous priming schedule in settings where the second dose for the ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]
vaccine is not available due to vaccine supply constraints or other concerns (17, 18).
Recommendations will be updated as further information becomes available on interchangeability between vaccine products and
platforms.
Co-administration with other vaccines
There should be a minimum interval of 14 days between administration of this vaccine and any other vaccine against other conditions,
until data on co-administration with other vaccines become available.
Contraindications
A history of anaphylaxis to any component of the vaccine is a contraindication to vaccination. If anaphylaxis occurs after the first
dose, a second dose of the vaccine should not be administered.
Precautions
A history of anaphylaxis to any other vaccine or injectable therapy (i.e. intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous vaccines or
therapies) is not a contraindication to vaccination. For such persons, a risk assessment should be conducted by a health professional.
It remains uncertain if there is an increased risk of anaphylaxis, but counselling should be given about the potential risk of
anaphylaxis and the risks should be weighed against the benefits of vaccination. Such persons should be observed for 30 minutes
after vaccination in health care settings where anaphylaxis can be immediately treated.
In general, persons with an immediate non-anaphylactic allergic reaction to the first dose (such as urticaria, angioedema or
respiratory symptoms without any other symptoms (cough, wheezing, stridor), that occur within 4 hours of administration) should
not receive additional doses, unless recommended after review by a health professional with specialist expertise. However, subject
to individual risk–benefit assessment, BNT162b2 could be provided under close medical supervision if it is the only available vaccine
for persons at high risk of severe COVID-19.
As a small number of anaphylactic reactions have also been reported in vaccinees without a history of anaphylaxis, WHO
recommends that BNT162b2 should be administered only in settings where anaphylaxis can be treated. Until more data are available
with regard to anaphylaxis after BNT162b2 vaccination, all vaccinees should be observed for at least 15 minutes after vaccination.
Food, insect venom and contact allergies and allergic rhinitis, eczema and asthma are not considered a contraindication to
vaccination. The vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex, and there is no contraindication or precaution to vaccination
-3-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing: Interim guidance
for persons with a latex allergy. In addition, as BNT162b2 does not contain eggs or gelatine, there is no contraindication or precaution
to vaccination for persons with allergies to any food substances.
A possible causal association with very rare cases of myocarditis in young men (16−24 years of age) is currently being investigated.
Anyone with an acute febrile illness (body temperature over 38.5 ºC) should postpone vaccination until they are afebrile.
Vaccination of specific populations
Populations for which supportive data are available from phase 2/3 clinical trials and post introduction vaccine
effectiveness studies.
Older people
The risk of severe COVID-19 and death increases steeply with age. Data from the phase 3 trial indicate that the efficacy and safety
of the vaccine are comparable across all age groups (above the age of 16). Persons above the age of 85 years and very frail older
persons were not included in the clinical trials. The safety and immunogenicity data obtained in a large subset of older people with
and without comorbidities suggest that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks. Post introduction vaccine
effectiveness studies have shown high effectiveness and good safety profiles in this age group, including very old persons.
Vaccination is recommended for older persons without an upper age limit.
Persons with comorbidities
Certain comorbidities have been identified as increasing the risk of severe COVID-19 disease and death. Phase 2/3 clinical trials
have demonstrated that the vaccine has similar safety and efficacy profiles in persons with various underlying medical conditions,
including those that place them at increased risk for severe COVID-19. The comorbidities studied in phase 2/3 clinical trials include
hypertension; diabetes; asthma; and pulmonary, liver and kidney disease; as well as chronic (stable and controlled) infection with
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Vaccination is recommended for
persons with comorbidities that have been identified as increasing the risk of severe COVID-19 in alignment with the WHO
Prioritization Roadmap.
Children and adolescents below the age of 16 years
For children and adolescents COVID-19 is rarely severe. Evidence suggests that adolescents, particularly older adolescents, are as
likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2 as adults. WHO recommends that countries should consider using BNT162b2 in children aged 12
to 15 only when high vaccine coverage with 2 doses has been achieved in the high priority groups as identified in the WHO
Prioritization Roadmap.
Children 12-15 years of age with comorbidities that put them at significantly higher risk of serious COVID-19 disease, alongside
other high-risk groups, may be offered vaccination.
There are currently no efficacy or safety data for children below the age of 12 years. Until such data are available, individuals below
12 years of age should not be routinely vaccinated.
Populations for which limited or no data exist from phase 2/3 clinical trials
Pregnant women
Evidence suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 (second and third trimester) are at higher risk of developing severe disease
compared to non-pregnant women of reproductive age. COVID-19 in pregnancy has also been associated with an increased risk of
preterm birth and of neonates requiring neonatal intensive care. Pregnant women who are older (age 35 years and above), or have
high body mass index, or have an existing comorbidity such as diabetes or hypertension are at particular risk of serious outcomes
from COVID-19.
Completed developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART) studies in animals have not shown harmful effects of the vaccine
in pregnancy. Clinical trial data on safety and immunogenicity in pregnancy are not currently available but are being collected. Post-
introduction vaccine pharmacovigilance data thus far have not identified any acute safety problems, with a reactogenicity and
-4-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing: Interim guidance
adverse events profile similar to that reported in the absence of pregnancy. Based on previous experience with other vaccine use
during pregnancy, the effectiveness of BNT162b2 in pregnant women is expected to be comparable to that observed for non-
pregnant women in similar age groups. Data from small studies have demonstrated that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are
immunogenic in pregnant women and that vaccine-elicited antibodies are transported to infant cord blood and breast milk,
suggesting possible neonatal as well as maternal protection (19, 20). As data from additional studies become available,
recommendations will be updated accordingly.
In the interim, WHO recommends the use of BNT162b2 in pregnant women when the benefits of vaccination to the pregnant woman
outweigh the potential risks. To help pregnant women make this assessment, they should be provided with information about the
risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy, the likely benefits of vaccination, and the current limitations of safety data. WHO does not
recommend pregnancy testing prior to vaccination. WHO does not recommend delaying pregnancy or terminating pregnancy
because of vaccination.
Lactating women
Breastfeeding offers substantial health benefits to lactating women and their breastfed children. Vaccine effectiveness is expected
to be similar in lactating women as in other adults. Data are not available on the potential benefits or risks of the vaccine to breastfed
children. However, as BNT162b2 is not a live virus vaccine and the mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell and is degraded
quickly, it is biologically and clinically unlikely to pose a risk to the breastfeeding child. On the basis of these considerations, WHO
recommends the use of BNT162b2 in lactating women as in other adults. WHO does not recommend discontinuing breastfeeding
because of vaccination.
Persons living with HIV
Persons living with HIV may be at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Among the phase 2/3 clinical trial participants with well
controlled HIV, there were no reported differences in safety signals. HIV-positive persons who are well controlled on highly active
antiretroviral therapy and are part of a group recommended for vaccination can be vaccinated. Available data on administration of
the vaccine are currently insufficient to allow assessment of vaccine efficacy or safety for persons living with HIV who are not well
controlled on therapy. It is possible that the immune response to the vaccine may be reduced, which may alter its effectiveness. In
the interim, given that the vaccine is not a live virus, persons living with HIV who are part of a group recommended for vaccination
may be vaccinated. Information and, where possible, counselling about vaccine safety and efficacy profiles in immunocompromised
persons should be provided to inform individual benefit–risk assessment. It is not necessary to test for HIV infection prior to vaccine
administration.
Immunocompromised persons
Immunocompromised persons are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Available data are currently insufficient to assess vaccine
efficacy or vaccine-associated risks in severely immunocompromised persons. It is possible that the immune response to the vaccine
may be reduced, which may alter its effectiveness. In the interim, given that the vaccine is not a live virus, immunocompromised
persons who are part of a group recommended for vaccination may be vaccinated. Information and, where possible, counselling
about vaccine safety and efficacy profiles in immunocompromised persons should be provided to inform individual benefit–risk
assessment.
Persons who have previously had SARS-CoV-2 infection
Vaccination should be offered regardless of a person’s history of symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral or
serological testing for prior infection is not recommended for the purpose of decision-making about vaccination. Data from the
pooled analyses indicate that the vaccine is safe in people with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Within 6 months after an
initial natural infection, available data show that symptomatic reinfection is uncommon. Given limited vaccine supply, persons with
PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the preceding 6 months may therefore choose to delay vaccination until near the end of
this 6-month period. However, emerging data indicate that symptomatic reinfection may occur in settings where variants of concern
are circulating that are associated with markedly reduced vaccine effectiveness (for example Beta B1.351). In these settings earlier
immunization after infection is advisable, e.g. within 90 days following natural infection. When more data on duration of immunity
after natural infection become available, the length of this time period may be revised.
-5-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing: Interim guidance
Persons with current acute COVID-19
Persons with acute PCR-confirmed COVID-19, including occurrence in-between doses, should not be vaccinated until after they
have recovered from acute illness and the criteria for discontinuation of isolation have been met. The optimal minimum interval
between a natural infection and vaccination is not yet known.
Persons who previously received passive antibody therapy for COVID-19
Currently there are no data on the safety or efficacy of vaccination in persons who received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent
plasma as part of COVID-19 treatment. Hence, as a precautionary measure, vaccination should be deferred for at least 90 days to
avoid interference of the antibody treatment with vaccine-induced immune responses.
Special settings
Persons in settings such as refugee and detention camps, prisons, slums, and other settings with high population densities, where
physical distancing is not implementable, should be prioritized for vaccination as outlined in the WHO Prioritization Roadmap [4],
taking into account national epidemiological data, vaccine supply and other relevant considerations.
As noted in the WHO Prioritization Roadmap, national programmes should give special consideration to groups that are
disproportionately affected by COVID-19 or that face health inequities as a result of social or structural inequities. Such groups
should be identified, barriers to vaccination should be addressed, and programmes should be developed to enable equitable access
to vaccines.
Other considerations
SARS-CoV-2 variants
SARS-CoV-2 viruses undergo evolution. Variants of concern may have higher transmissibility, disease severity, risk of reinfection,
or a change in antigenic composition resulting in lower vaccine effectiveness. Preliminary data show some reduction in
neutralization activity of BNT162b2 against the Beta (B1.351) variant, as well as against Gamma (P1) and Delta (B1.617.2), and
less marked reduction against Alpha (B.1.1.7). Vaccine effectiveness after 2 doses against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
with the Beta (B.1.351) variant has been estimated as 75.0% (95% CI 70.5−78.9%) (21). BNT162b2 was estimated to be 88% (95%
CI 78.2−93.2%) effective against symptomatic disease from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant after the second dose, compared to 93%
(95%CI 90.4−95.5%) effectiveness against the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant after the second dose (12). These preliminary findings
highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of variants and their potential impact on vaccine
effectiveness. WHO will continue to monitor the situation; as new data become available, recommendations will be updated
accordingly.
SARS-CoV-2 tests
Prior receipt of the vaccine will not affect the results of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification or antigen tests for diagnosis of
acute/current SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it is important to note that currently available antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 assess
levels of IgM and/or IgG to the spike or the nucleocapsid protein. The vaccine contains mRNA that encodes the spike protein; thus,
a positive test for spike protein IgM or IgG could indicate either prior infection or prior vaccination. To evaluate for evidence of
prior infection in an individual who has received BNT162b2, a test that specifically evaluates IgM or IgG to the nucleocapsid protein
should be used. A positive nucleocapsid protein-based assay indicates prior infection. Antibody testing is not currently
recommended to assess immunity to COVID-19 following BNT162b2 vaccination.
Role of vaccines among other preventive measures
As there is not yet sufficient evidence of the extent of vaccine impact on transmission, non-pharmaceutical interventions must
continue, including use of face masks, physical distancing, handwashing and other measures based on the epidemiology of SARS-
CoV-2 and vaccine coverage rates. Government advice on non-pharmaceutical interventions should continue to be followed by
vaccinated individuals, as well as those who have not yet been vaccinated. This advice will be updated as information on the impact
of vaccination on virus transmission and indirect protection in the community has been better assessed.
Countries’ strategies related to COVID-19 control should be designed to facilitate children’s participation in education and other
aspects of social life (22).
-6-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing: Interim guidance
Community engagement, effective communication, and legitimacy
Community engagement and effective communication (including risk communication) are essential to the success of COVID-19
vaccination programmes. Prioritization decisions should be made through transparent processes that are based on shared values, the
best available scientific evidence, and appropriate representation and input by affected parties. Furthermore, communication about
the mechanism of action of mRNA vaccines, and efficacy and safety data derived from clinical trials and post-marketing studies,
needs to be strengthened. Strategies should include: (1) culturally acceptable and linguistically accessible communications regarding
COVID-19 vaccination made freely available; (2) active community engagement and involvement of community opinion leaders
and trusted voices to improve awareness and understanding of such communications, and (3) inclusion of diverse and affected
stakeholder opinions in decision-making. Such efforts are especially important in subpopulations who may be unfamiliar with or
distrustful of health care systems and immunization.
Vaccination logistics
BNT162b2 currently requires ultra-cold-chain distribution and storage conditions that will be challenging in many country settings.
The storage period of the unopened thawed vial at 2−8 °C (i.e. in a normal fridge after taking out of deep-freeze conditions) is one
month (31 days).
When assessing the feasibility of deploying BNT162b2, immunization programmes should consider the cold-chain requirements,
the current minimum number of doses per shipment, the need to administer a whole batch of vaccine within a short time frame after
removal from cold storage, and the need to ensure bundling with an adequate independent supply of the correct diluent. Conditions
must be met to avoid exposure of vials to sunlight and ultraviolet light. When scheduling vaccination for occupational groups, e.g.
health workers, consideration should be given to the reactogenicity profile of BNT162b2 observed in clinical trials, leading to time
off work in the 24-48 hours following vaccination.
Appropriate medical treatment to manage anaphylaxis must be immediately available. Hence, this vaccine should only be
administered in settings with the necessary resources and trained health workers, and in settings that allow for at least 15 minutes
of post-vaccination observation.
In considering the programme implications of implementing these recommendations, particular attention should be given to equity,
including the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the programme in resource-constrained settings (for example, how to
ensure ultra-cold chain storage and the need to be able to provide treatment for anaphylaxis).
Recommendations on addressing current knowledge gaps through further research
WHO recommends the following post-authorization monitoring activities and research.
• Safety surveillance and monitoring:
− serious adverse events including myocarditis (23), thromboembolic events, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia
syndrome (TTS), anaphylaxis and other serious allergic reactions, Bell`s palsy, and transverse myelitis
− cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome following vaccination, cases of COVID-19 following vaccination
that result in hospitalization or death;
− background rates of AESIs (including myocarditis, thromboembolic events and TTS), maternal and neonatal
outcomes, and mortality in groups prioritized for vaccination.
• Vaccine effectiveness:
− vaccine effectiveness in relation to time interval between the first and second dose;
− vaccine effectiveness in relation to new virus variants;
− vaccine effectiveness over time and whether protection can be prolonged by booster doses;
− booster studies with heterologous vaccines;
− studies to investigate whether this vaccine reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission and viral shedding;
− assessment and reporting of breakthrough infections and virus sequence information;
− head-to-head studies with other vaccines on extent and duration of immunity using standardized neutralization,
T-cell and mucosal immunity assays;
− vaccine effectiveness against post-COVID-19 conditions
− indirect protection against unvaccinated populations
− impact on enabling in person-schooling for children and adolescents
-7-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing: Interim guidance
• Subpopulations:
− prospective studies on the safety in pregnant and lactating women;
− safety data on vaccination in immunocompromised persons, including persons living with HIV and persons with
autoimmune disease.
• Vaccination logistics
− immunogenicity and safety studies of co-administration with other vaccines, including influenza and
pneumococcal vaccines, to adults and older persons;
− safety, immunogenicity, and impact of a delayed second dose, as currently implemented by certain countries;
− interchangeability and “mix and match” studies within and across COVID-19 vaccine platforms;
− stability of vaccine under alternative cold-chain distribution and storage conditions.
• Virus variants
− global surveillance of virus evolution and the impact of virus variants on vaccine effectiveness to support update
of vaccines;
− Modelling to determine the trade-offs for the use of vaccines with reduced effectiveness against emergent variants;
− Booster studies with updated vaccine formulations.
Funding source
SAGE members and SAGE working group members do not receive any remuneration from the Organization for any work related
to the SAGE. The SAGE secretariat is funded through core contributions to WHO.
Acknowledgements
This document was developed in consultation with:
External: Current members of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the SAGE Working Group
on COVID-19 Vaccines.
WHO: Annelies Wilder-Smith, Joachim Hombach, Melanie Marti, Shalini Desai, Susan Wang, Katherine O’Brien.
WHO continues to monitor the situation closely for any changes that may affect this interim guidance. Should any factors change,
WHO will issue a further update. Otherwise, this interim guidance document will expire 2 years after the date of publication.
-8-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing
Table of updates
Section Rationale for update
Considerations for deferring the second Post-introduction vaccine effectiveness studies in countries that have implemented an
dose in settings with limited vaccine inter-dose interval longer than per emergency use authorization (up to 12 weeks) have
supply shown a high public health impact. This observation combined with additional
immunological data support that countries facing a high incidence of COVID-19
combined with severe vaccine supply constraints could consider delaying the second
dose up to 12 weeks in order to achieve a higher first dose coverage in high priority
populations.
Interchangeability between vaccine Mix-and-match studies remain limited, but recent evolving evidence led to an update
products and platforms in this section.
Paediatric age indication A Phase 3 trial in children aged 12-15 years showed high efficacy and good safety in
this age group, leading to an extension of the previous age indication from 16 years
onwards down to age 12 onwards.
Children and adolescents below the age The following statement was added: For children and adolescents COVID-19 is rarely
of 16 years severe. Evidence suggests that adolescents, particularly older adolescents, are as likely
to transmit SARS-CoV-2 as adults. WHO recommends that countries should consider
using BNT162b2 in children aged 12 to 15 only when high vaccine coverage with 2
doses has been achieved in the high priority groups as identified in the WHO
Prioritization Roadmap.
Children 12-15 years of age with comorbidities that put them at significantly higher
risk of serious COVID-19 disease, alongside other high-risk groups, may be offered
vaccination.
There are currently no efficacy or safety data for children below the age of 12 years.
Until such data are available, individuals below 12 years of age should not be routinely
vaccinated.
Pregnant and lactating women Text was updated as reassuring data on safety and immunogenicity in pregnancy has
become available since the first Issue of this Recommendation.
Role of vaccines among other The following statement was added: “Countries’ strategies related to COVID-19
preventive measures control should be designed to facilitate children’s participation in education and other
aspects of social life.”.
SARS-CoV-2 variants This section has been added to reflect the latest data with regards to the circulation of
variants of concern and evidence on the impact on effectiveness of the vaccine.
Vaccination logistics Based on additional storage studies, the storage period of the unopened thawed vial at
2−8 °C (i.e. in a normal fridge after taking out of deep-freeze conditions) has been
extended from five days to one month (31 days).
-9-Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing
References
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(https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/03/15/default-calendar/extraordinary-meeting-of-the-strategic-
advisory-group-of-experts-on-immunization-(sage)---15-march-2021, accessed 28 May 2021).
2. WHO. Extraordinary meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) – 27 May 2021.
(https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/05/27/default-calendar/extraordinary-meeting-of-the-strategic-
advisory-group-of-experts-on-immunization-(sage)-27-may-2021, accessed 28 May 2021).
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WHO reference number: WHO/2019-nCoV/vaccines/SAGE_recommendation//BNT162b2/2021.2
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